The European Organization for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2009

14.—(1) Except in so far as in any particular case any privilege or immunity is waived by the Government of the member which they represent, representatives of members of the Organization (other than representatives of Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom and persons who are British citizens, British overseas territories citizens, British Overseas citizens, British Nationals (Overseas) or permanent residents of the United Kingdom) shall enjoy—

(a) immunity from suit and legal process in respect of acts performed by them, including words spoken or written, in the exercise of their functions and within the limits of their authority, except in the case of motor traffic offences committed by them or damage caused by motor vehicles belonging to or driven by them;

(b) while exercising their functions and during the journey to and from the place of meeting, immunity from personal arrest or detention, unless they are apprehended in the act of committing an offence in which case the competent authorities shall immediately inform the Director-General of the Organization or his representative of the arrest.

(c) while exercising their functions and during the journey to and from the place of meeting, the like exemption and privileges in respect of their personal baggage as in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the 1961 Convention Articles are accorded to a diplomatic agent, unless they are apprehended in the act of committing an offence in which case the competent authorities shall immediately inform the Director-General of the Organization or his representative of any seizure of their personal baggage; and

(2) Part IV of Schedule 1 to the Act shall not operate so as to confer any privilege or immunity on any member of the family or any member of the official staff of a representative.